Volkswagen Jetta 1.4 TSI Trendline review

As expected, Volkswagen India has introduced the refined version of its premium sedan, Jetta in the country's automobile market. This latest version received quite a few updates in terms of its exteriors and interiors. However, there are no mechanical updates given to this vehicle. The company continues to offer this premium sedan in six variants for the buyers to choose from among which, Volkswagen Jetta 1.4 TSI Trendline is the base petrol trim. Powering this variant is the same 1390cc turbocharged petrol engine that is mated to a six speed manual transmission gearbox. Now, this entry level trim is being equipped with a cruise control system as a standard feature, whose control switch is mounted on the steering wheel. In terms of exteriors, this updated version gets a modified radiator grille along with redesigned bumpers and a refined boot lid. At the same time, its headlight cluster also gets a minor tweak, but it is powered by the halogen headlamps. Furthermore, this base trim gets LED lights for its number plates, which gives it a refreshing new look. As far as its interiors are concerned, this updated version gets piano black accents on its dashboard and center fascia. However, the prominent change is that this trim gets a new flat-bottomed steering featuring multi-functional switches. This vehicle is available with an attractive unlimited kilometer warranty for two years. Exteriors:

This updated version gets notable changes in terms of its exteriors, especially on its front and rear facets. To start with the rear, its boot lid along with the tailgate gets a slight modification. The rear bumper too gets a new design embedded with slightly bigger reflectors. The company's insignia is embedded above the license plate console, while the variant and model badges are placed below the taillight cluster. The side facet remains to be same without any cosmetic tweak, but the build quality has been improved, which certainly gives it a up-market stance. Its waistline molding gets slightly thicker and is garnished with chrome accents. However, its window sills along with B pillars are in high gloss black. Its fenders too remains to be same and are paired to a sturdy set of 16-inch 'Sedona' alloy wheels. However, major changes have been made to its front facade where, it gets slightly tweaked headlight cluster and LED lights for its number plate console. The radiator grille is now designed with three horizontally positioned chrome slats, which are embedded with the company's logo. The manufacturer has also revamped the bumper with bigger air intake section, which is surround by reshaped fog lamps.

Interiors:

The automaker has given very few updates to the interiors. There are piano black accents at various parts of the insides, which add to the classiness. This base trim gets an attractive dual tone color scheme, which is amplified by a few chrome inserts. This updated version also gets a new instrument cluster with chrome rings, which further adds to its overall look. The dashboard gets the same old design, but the control switches are slightly modified with illumination. Apart from these, this trim gets a new three-spoke flat-bottomed steering wheel, which is decorated with glossy black accents. The design of the seats remains to be the same, but with improved cushion, they offer better support and comfort to the occupants. Its driver seat has a 12-way electrical adjustment facility along with lumbar support, while the rear seat has a 60:40 split folding feature. The front center armrest gets a storage compartment, while the rear one gets two cup holders.

Engine and Performance:

This Volkswagen Jetta 1.4 TSI Trendline is the petrol version and it continues to use the same 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine under the hood. It comprises of four in-line cylinders, which further have a total of 16-valves based on a DOHC valve configuration. It also has a turbocharger and an intercooler for enhanced performance and power. This mill can unleash a maximum power of 138.1bhp at 4200rpm in combination with a maximum torque output of 320Nm at 1750 to 2500rpm. The manufacturer has mated this power plant to a six speed manual transmission gearbox that delivers torque output to the front wheels. The manufacturer claims that the vehicle can reach a top speed of 202 Kmph. On the other hand, it has the ability to give away a peak mileage of 14.69 Kmpl.

Braking and Handling:

Like its predecessor, this refurbished version too gets a disc braking mechanism for all its four wheels, which are further loaded with efficient brake calipers. They are assisted by the anti lock braking system and electronic brake force distribution to prevent any form of skid on slippery roads. Its front axle is coupled with coil springs, shock absorbers and suspension stabilizers, while the rear one gets multi-link system including stabilizer bars. This helps to keep the vehicle stable even on rugged roads.

Comfort Features:

This base trim gets several standard comfort features that eventually provide a fatigue free driving experience. It gets a list of aspects including cooled glove box unit, tilt and telescopic adjustment for steering wheel and windshield with heat insulation glass. In addition to these, this Volkswagen Jetta 1.4 TSI Trendline trim has illuminated vanity mirrors, front seats with height adjustment, rain sensors, electrically adjustable windows along with outside mirrors and accessory power sockets. The manufacturer has also incorporated a good quality music system including a CD player and a Radio unit along with connectivity ports for USB and AUX-In devices. Beside these, this trim is now integrated with a cruise control function that helps to offer an effortless driving experience. Safety Features:

The manufacturer has equipped this entry level trim with all the advanced aspects, which helps to safeguard the vehicle and its occupants as well. The list of features include ABS with brake assist function, electronic stability control, anti slip regulation, electronic differential lock, hill hold control function and height adjustable front seat belts. In addition to these, this latest trim also gets break pad wear indicator, retro reflectors in all four doors, six airbags, front passenger airbag deactivation function, central locking with two remote control keys and three rear head restraints.